Change of Scenery

I have moved this blog over to Wordpress, because it's better.

http://mylifebeingadad.wordpress.com/

The more intimate family pictures are password protected. If you would like this password, contact me at andrewbpaterson -at- gmail -dot- com

Moreover, all such pictures have been deleted from this blog.

Sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused you.

A Comma, or a Period?

I apologize for the lack of communication as of late. The real world has me bouncing all over the place, leaving little time to post my life for the world to see.

Which brings me to my next issue: security. My little guy is unable to help himself in most every way:

• He can't dress himself,

• He can't feed himself,

• He can't choose where he wants to hang out, and

• He can't protect himself.

With the internet being what it is (a world-wide and collaborative forum for the exchange of information), I don't want the exchange of information to go from

A picture or information tidbit about baby Bradley ↔ an evil internet lurker with malicious intentions

During the past week, I have done a lot of prayer and reflection. Though conclusions were oftentimes iterated with new ideas, I know for sure that I want to add a layer of security to my blog.

Because Google's Blogger service (aka blogspot) only allows for 100 security enabled viewers, I am investigating other avenues. Wordpress is another popular blogging platform, which may have a higher learning curve, though the end product is much more robust. There are many who will argue to death the superiority of Wordpress. [ref 1, 2, and 3]

All this to say, dear family and friends, that I am hoping for this time of reflection to be a comma, as opposed to a period. My reasons for starting this blog were to keep friends and family in the loop regarding our little guy, as well as documenting fun experiences and ideas.

I intend to re-release this blog in the coming week(s) to a new and improved version! Stay tuned...

What about you? Do you use Blogger or Wordpress? What do you like about the platform you're using? What don't you like?

QuikPic: All Smiles!

Our little guy's learned a new trick: smiling!

He's been showing off this new skill quite liberally. Though he learned it a couple of weeks ago, it's only been until recent that we've been able to capture it.

Texting While Driving?!? No Thnx!!!

I am all about efficiency. I love to-do lists, organized events, and structured days. As often as I can, I like to double-up on tasks:

• Reading a book while rocking little Bradley to sleep,

• Blogging while watching our little boy (like I'm doing right now),

• Whistling while I work, and

• Texting while using the washroom (hey, at least I'm admitting it!!!).

Though not an exhaustive list, there is one thing I will never again double-up on: text messaging while driving (when I have any family members in the car). I used to do this, in the name of maximizing productive output; in this case blending transportation and communication. But for two main reasons, I now refuse to do this.

The first reason is because of safety. I have heard of friends getting into fender benders because they were trying to text while on the road. I myself rear-ended someone around 2004 because I took my eyes off the road, if even for a split second or two.

A video has recently been released which tries to spread the message regarding the dangers of texting while driving. I was taken aback by its graphic nature, a stance which has produced some debate, questioning whether it's too much. So with that warning, here it is:

The other reason, as if that last one isn't enough, is becuase of the law. This past month, the Ontario Government put Bill 118 into effect, which will hand out a $500 fine to whoever's caught driving while using (or even holding) a wireless communication device, or other hand-held driver distractors. Find the complete text of the bill here.

So even though I like to squeeze every last drop of available time during a day being productive, you won't find me doubling-up by texting and driving. It's just not worth it.

What about you? Do you text while driving? I know of someone who can text without even looking at the screen...I wonder if the new law will affect this person's habbit.

Do you have any other awesome double-ups?

QuikPic: 11.5 lbs and growing!

Our little guy was recently weighed and found to come in at 11.5 pounds. At six weeks of age, he's made progress from when he entered the World at 6.7 pounds.

With this physical growth, he's also enjoyed added responsibility and privileges being moved into his own room, fitting into his snazzy jeans, and laying under his playmat.